A Remarkable Story of the Army’s Ethos

By – Maj Rajkumar Jhaljit Singh (Retd.)
This is a fascinating real-life incident that truly reflects the ethos of the Indian Army and the way it stands by its men, an incident worth sharing.
It is about Major Punsiba Pembam, a young and dynamic officer, full of energy and promise. After completing 10 years of contractual service in military, he had decided to take voluntary retirement. He underwent a resettlement program and even secured a placement in a reputed PSU company.
However, just before his release from the Army, he fell unconscious and was rushed to the hospital. During treatment, he was diagnosed with a large brain tumor. His brother brought him to Bengaluru for further medical care.
At this critical juncture, his unit advised him to withdraw his papers and continue his service. His Commanding Officer gave full support, expedited the process, and ensured he was granted an extension of four more years, completing his full contractual period.
Major Punsiba underwent surgery at Apollo Hospital, Bengaluru where one of the largest tumors was successfully removed from his brain. Against all odds, he recovered without memory loss or mobility issues — a rare outcome, as survival rates for such cases are usually very low, often less than six months. The treatment was expensive, and in a shining example of camaraderie, his brother officers came together and contributed to support the medical costs.
Reinstated into military service, he was posted to Bengaluru on medical grounds, enabling him to continue his treatment. Remarkably, he survived for more than two years and showed encouraging recovery. I had the privilege of meeting him only a few weeks ago during one of my evening run, and his spirit remained strong.
Sadly, his condition worsened suddenly, and despite the best efforts, he passed away on 1st September 2025. The Army stood firmly beside him till the very end. He was given a military funeral, attended by Maj Gen VT Mathew GOC of Karnataka and Kerala, Sub Area, and his Commanding Officer, who travelled from another city to be with his family during this difficult time.
Major Punsiba is survived by his mother and his wife. May his brave soul rest in everlasting peace.
This moving story is a classic example of how the Army supports its men not only in life but also beyond, with honour, dignity, and unwavering commitment. – Jai Hind
(The the author is Director, JS Financial Services & Consultancy)